5/27/2008
What's happening at Berry Baby...
3/24/2008
Sad news
2/26/2008
Expo fever!
2/8/2008
FNQ Baby & Kids Expo
1/3/2008
Happy New Year!
11/20/2007
Passed the test!
11/11/2007
New Nappies!
10/24/2007
So plush, so irresistable!!
10/18/2007
Warning! Silly season ahead!
9/16/2007
Between crazy ants and Charlie McKillop!
8/12/2007
To market, to market, jiggity-jig!
7/17/2007
New Stock Soon!
7/9/2007
Open at last!
6/26/2007
Two weeks till opening!
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Date: 5/27/2008
Title: What's happening at Berry Baby...
On June 1, Berry Baby will celebrate it's first year of business... (in terms of my first sale... the website opened in July). I can't believe how fast the year has gone! I'm even somewhat impressed I'm still going strong, despite working a second job and trying to be the best mum and wife I can be.
I'm going to have a huge sale through the month of June with everything 10-50% off storewide so keep your eyes out for a bargain!
Berry Baby will be stocking some new brands in the coming months - tested rigorously of course by my little girl Laura... so sign up for the newsletter to hear first when they arrive!
Due to future work and family commitments, I will not be attending Smithfield Markets for the next few months but will still take bookings for home demonstrations. I am also planning to attend Yungaburra and Tanks Markets for the rest of the year, so if you do want to come and see the products in real life, see the Events Calendar for details.
Thanks again to everyone who has supported me in the last 12 months!
Shannon : )
Date: 3/24/2008
Title: Sad news
It is with much sadness that I sold my last Cute Tooshies nappy this week. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Vanessa at Cute Tooshies has had to cancel all wholesale of these wonderful nappies. I now have a big void to fill which won't be easy, but I have already had my eyes on a few brands and little Laura is all set for testing before we get a bigger range of fitted nappies on the shelves. It's really important to me to test all products before selling them as I don't want to sell a nappy just because it looks good, or because it's popular - it has to do the job it was intended for, and it has to do it well!
I still have a great belief in the quality and value of Cute Tooshies, so if you are still on the hunt for one, please visit the website at www.cutetooshies.com.au and get in touch with Vanessa.
Now for some good news...
* Berry Safe Insect Repellent has taken Cairns by storm! I am even selling them to dads who are putting a bottle in their fishing tackle box!
* I have also secured a permanent spot at the monthly Yungaburra Markets. It's on the north-eastern outer row next to a lovely couple selling wooden chopping blocks and other items. Last Saturday's market was on a beautiful day and many people new to MCN embraced the concept with excitement. Quite a few nappies were also bought as gifts for new babies. Thanks all for your support!
Lastly, I am still collating photos of babies in their nappies, so if you would like your bub added to the Berry Baby gallery when it goes live, please email me a pic with your bub's first name and age. You could win yourself a great prize!
Bye for now,
Shannon : )
Date: 2/26/2008
Title: Expo fever!
What a fantastic day it was at Cairns Showgrounds on Saturday, Feb 23, for the first FNQ Baby and Kids Expo! Despite the humidity, hundreds of parents, and parents-to-be, turned out for the event and I'm very pleased to see so many interested in choosing modern cloth nappies! Well done all!
Quite a few items sold out on the day and we took many orders for bulk nappy packages, so it was a very successful day for Berry Baby.
I want to say a big THANK YOU to my Mum Julie for helping me out, doing her best to explain each product to those waiting for me, and processing payments. I could not have done it without you!
I also want to remind all of my customers to sign up for our newsletter, and join in next month's Great Down Under Nappy Hunt! I took part in my first hunt a few years ago, and then became a sponsor last year. Each time the event grows bigger and better. There are so many great prizes to be won, it's definitely worth getting involved if you want to add some great nappies to your stash or pick up some bargains!
Also, for Cairns locals, don't miss the next edition of Cairns Kids Magazine... there's heaps of great articles and information for parents!
Bye for now,
Shannon : )
Date: 2/8/2008
Title: FNQ Baby & Kids Expo
There's only two weeks until the inaugural FNQ Baby & Kids Expo, so I'm madly organising stock and display items in preparation for the big day which will be on February 23 at the Cairns Showgrounds.
The launch was held at the Baby Barn last week and was attended by other stallholders, mums, bubs and the media. Organisers are expecting more than 6000 people to attend, so it should be a great day out! There'll be plenty of stalls, information, entertainment, a baby and toddler contest and fun stuff for the kids.
I encourage all my customers - old and new - to come along as we will have some fantastic bargains and some extra special NEW stock - the most successful night-time nappy I have come across made by an Aussie mum!
I look forward to seeing you there!
Shannon : )
Date: 1/3/2008
Title: Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to everyone! I hope 2008 brings you much happiness and laughter! Berry Baby has reopened and we are busily stocking the nappy cupboard with new stock and plenty of favourites that sell out quick!
I'm very happy to be stocking the Haute Pockets range in both snap and hook & loop closures this year and the manufacturer's have expanded the colour range to include yummy Chocolate and Robin Egg Blue so there are now 12 colours to choose from!!
Bamboo Cute Tooshies sold out before Christmas, but are now in stock, as well as the Hemp Cute Tooshies, and we're happy to announce that we will soon be stocking pink and blue Bamboo Cute Tooshies! These are so lush and just gorgeous on little boys and girls.
We also sold out of Bummis Swimmis last year so new stock will soon be available - don't miss out for summer! The Bummis range is expanding in 2008 with new covers in four funky prints and Bio-Soft Liners which are flushable and fully biodegradable.
Berry Plush nappies should arrive by the end of this month and we will have new colours on offer so stay tuned!
If you haven't heard already, the FNQ Baby and Kids Expo will be held in Cairns on February 23 and Berry Baby will be there will plenty of great products and specials! Mark the date on your calendar as this is one event you don't want to miss.
Also don't miss the January/February issue of Cairns Kids Magazine featuring a special on Baby Shower Gifts.
Bye for now,
Shannon : )
Date: 11/20/2007
Title: Passed the test!
Good news everyone! Haute Pockets with snap closure have passed the test - they have totally exceeded my expectations and so I have decided to get them in stock in the new year. My little girl has been running around in a purple blossom and I'm so impressed with their fit compared to the old version as well as how they are nice and trim. No wing droop in sight! Hooray! :)
Date: 11/11/2007
Title: New Nappies!
It is with your continued and valued support that I am able to grow the Berry Baby business so THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! This means can expand our product lines on a regular basis. So I am happy to say that this week the improved version of the Haute Pocket nappy will be in stock. The Haute is an Australian-owned nappy that is perfect for our hot summer climate. It is a one-size-fits-all pocket nappy (so it will fit newborn to toddler) with microfleece inner layer and a breathable PUL outer layer, and it comes with two contoured microfibre inserts. Berry Baby plans to stock only the hook & loop version at this stage as I personally feel it is more reliable than the snap version, but if customers would prefer snap closure, then please get in touch and we'll get it in for you. Everything I sell has been road-tested by my gorgeous little girl who is now 20 months - doesn't time fly!?!
We are getting very excited about Christmas, have paid off toy laybuys at Kmart and Big W, and have booked fabulous beachside accommodation for our trip away. That means Berry Baby will be closed for at least two weeks from Monday, December 17. I don't think this will affect customers greatly as most people have run out of cash by Christmas, but if you do need to get in touch for any reason, you can ring the number listed on our contacts page and leave a message. My housesitter will relay that message onto me (wherever I am at the time!) Or you can try my mobile number 0447 319 823. Any emails sent during this time will not be answered as I'm giving myself a holiday away from the computer!
I am also pleased to announce our new and improved Organic Bottom Balm is in stock! I have spent many hours over the kitchen stove, researching, and testing (with the help of my daughter!) our new balm and I'm now very happy with the finished product. I have had two mums test the product for me and they have given it the thumbs up! I have also been able to reduce the price in comparison to the soothing cream previously offered at Berry Baby.
And finally, we are having a big pre-Christmas sale!! Berry Plush are reduced and I'm clearing out medium Swaddlebees pocket nappies to make room for the new Haute pockets.
Don't forget to sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know about new products, competitions and special events!
Bye for now,
Shannon :)
Date: 10/24/2007
Title: So plush, so irresistable!!
It seemed as quick as I had ordered them, suddenly they were in my postbox and now I'm in love! Berry Plush nappies are devine and I'm so pleased to be stocking them at Berry Baby. These are a very clever multi-purpose nappy. The absorbent inner is made up of three layers of hemp, and one layer of soft minkee, and it snaps in to the outer layer of PUL and luscious minkee. Because it's a snap-in insert, the outer layer can be reused as a cover over almost all other types of nappies.
The colours in real life are splendid and the animal prints just too good to resist! I'm sure many mums will fall in love with Berry Plush as much as me!
In other news, I'm still tossing up who to vote for in the next election... Charlie McKillop bought a swim nappy for a friend, but yesterday Jim Turnour's wife bought a bunch of nappies for their little daughter! So far, it's looking like a Labor victory for the seat of Leichhardt! I wonder... does Ian Crossland or Sue Cory have kids in nappies? ;-)
Bye for now, and thanks for your continued support!
Shannon : )
Date: 10/18/2007
Title: Warning! Silly season ahead!
Can you believe it's mid-October already? It seems the older I get the faster time flies by... or perhaps I'm just more busy than I ever was to notice the days blurring into weeks, weeks turning into months, and so on.
And pretty soon Christmas will be here. Kmart is stocking shelves with Christmas gift wrap and decorations and I'm sure all the other stores are too. So Berry Baby better get with the program!
I've got a wonderful selection of Christmas gift packs starting from as low as $38 for pregnant mums, new mums and new babies, and toddlers as well. All will be up on the site in November... it's too early to think about Christmas shopping yet!
I'm also VERY excited as we will be expanding our product line in the coming months... subscribers will get a sneak peak very soon, so sign up for the newsletter if you want to find out!
Berry Baby products can still be seen "in real life" every weekend at markets around Cairns. This weekend is a double whammy - Rusty's Markets on Saturday morning from 6am-12pm and Smithfield Community Markets (at Woolies end of Smithfield Shopping Centre) from 9am to 2pm. The following weekend we'll be at Yungaburra Markets - always a great day up there and heaps to see (and buy!).
Also, don't miss the November/December issue of Cairns Kids Magazine where you can see Berry Baby!
Bye for now, and thanks for your continued support!
Shannon :)
Date: 9/16/2007
Title: Between crazy ants and Charlie McKillop!
Yes, that's where I was today... at Smithfield Markets (Woolies end) between Liberal candidate for Leichhardt Charlie McKillop (who had a fantastic lateral thinking game that really did my head in!) and an information stand about crazy ants and electric ants in the region. What a combination! Ants, nappies and a politician!
However, the day went well with lots of new people taking an interest in cloth from first-time grandmothers to pregnant mums to politicians! Yep, Charlie bought a nappy! .... does this mean I should give her my vote?! ;)
In other news, we'll be back at Yungaburra Markets next Saturday (not Rusty's as usual) so if you live in Cairns, why not take a drive up to the Tablelands and enjoy this fabulous market. We'll be heading to the new chocolate and cheese factory afterwards - my two favourite foods - how can I resist?!
Till next time!
Shannon : )
Date: 8/12/2007
Title: To market, to market, jiggity-jig!
I have had a great response to my market stall at Rusty's in Cairns. And while I'm only there on Saturdays from 6am to 12pm, I seem to be chatting non-stop to mums and dads about nappies. The good news is that many mums are now making the switch to cloth - hooray!
A word of warning to anyone who may come looking for me at the markets... I am never in the same place twice! It's first in, first served, so some weeks I may be at the Grafton Street end, while other weeks I could be right in the middle of the fruit and veges! I will have signs up, so please keep looking.
We are right in the middle of the Great Down Under Nappy Hunt, which has had a record number of sponsors and competitors. All registered hunters who make a purchase this month will receive free postage as well as a free mystery gift! Don't forget to check out our sales as we'll have spot specials throughout the rest of August.
The other great news is that the Berry Baby Natural Care range is now available for wholesale orders. Any businesses interested in stocking a new and completely organic range of skincare products for mother and baby, made by a WAHM, please email info@berrybaby.com.au
Bye for now,
Shannon
Date: 7/17/2007
Title: New Stock Soon!
I'm nearing the end of my week in Moura visiting family and friends and I'm so pleased with the positive responses I've had about Berry Baby. Mum and I set up a stall outside IGA on Friday and Saturday and handed out dozens of brochures about modern cloth nappies and showed off the product range. Those who had never seen MCN before were truly impressed and amazed at the creative and intelligent designs of today's nappies. The Berry Baby Natural Care range was also a hit and I have sold lots of Bubble Bath, Baby Shampoo and Calming Lotion!
A few mums who chatted to me on Saturday, came back on Monday to place orders so I feel so pleased to have helped them take the step towards using cloth over disposables.
Further orders came through the website while I have been away, but I'm flying home on Thursday and will process everything on Friday.
The other news is that I have been preparing new stock for the store:
* Wet bags
* Nappy liners: polar fleece, microfleece, raw silk and flushable liners
* Reusable breast pads
* Organic moisturising cream for baby
* Barrier balm for baby
* Soothing cream for baby - particularly suitable for bubs with eczema
And finally....
* A new line of clothing for toddlers!
Since I'm the only one on the sewing machine at the moment (and my wonderful knitting lady Lyn is click-clacking her needles making soakers!) the products will be added steadily over the next few months.
Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter and you will be the first to know when new stock, competitions and sales are happening!
Bye for now,
Shannon
Date: 7/9/2007
Title: Open at last!
WOW! It's finally happened! Berry Baby has opened for business!
I feel so proud to have started a business that I am wholeheartedly passionate about, and I hope this enthusiasm rubs off on everyone who visits the site or speaks to me about natural baby products.
The modern cloth nappy industry has really taken off on the world wide web, and I feel very privileged to have joined the special club of business mums who feel just as passionate and excited about reusable baby products as I do. We all seem to have a common goal of being independent businesswomen but also striving to be the best mum we can be... a mum who takes their children to school in the morning and picks them up in the afternoon, a mum who bathes them in natural products, a mum who uses only green-friendly washing powder on their clothes, a mum who wraps their little bottoms in the gentlest of fabrics. It is so satisfying to know that I am, in some small way, helping to influence the way mums think about cloth nappies, and I would also like to think that I have lessened my impact on our environment. After all, what we do today affects our children tomorrow. I hope that someday we can change the way so many mums think about nappies so that using cloth becomes the norm and using disposables frowned upon. This may seem harsh, but how can we sacrifice our budget, our environment and our baby's delicate skin for the sake of convenience? It's pure madness.
To all the new mums who may be reading this, please consider your part in changing the planet as well as the best way to care for your baby. After all, you wouldn't want to wear plastic, chemical-filled panties all day, would you?
Date: 6/26/2007
Title: Two weeks till opening!
The hit counter has been going off since I sent the word out about Berry Baby! So many people have visited the site and I've had lots of great feedback. There is still a lot to do before opening, but it's very exciting to know that what was once a dream is soon to be reality. Thanks to everyone who has supported me during this time.
New stock we are preparing for the coming months:
* Reusable liners made of polar fleece and raw silk (for those extra sensitive bottoms!)
* Reusable breast pads
* Wet Bags in all different sizes and colours
* Children's clothing
* Berry Baby Natural Care products - moisturising cream for baby and for mum, lip balm for the whole family, shower gel for mum, barrier balm for baby.
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